Encounter, Listen, Discern

Level 2 Covid does not seem to be ending anytime soon. It means we may have to be creative in celebrating our end-of-year events, such as the end of year Mass may need to look different, and our Prizegiving may be different. As soon as we know, we will let you know.

Our Year 12 students are reflecting on leadership and what they want for 2022, how they want to lead our College. Leadership applications are due by Tuesday of next week. Leadership occurs in many different ways. When we operate as an effective team, each one of us needs to lead their area. For example, at the Marae, leadership is visible right from the Karanga - the call of welcome, the whaikōrero (the speeches), the leading of the Waiata (song), the manaakitanga and leadership in organising the kai ( the food). Each person has a different role and a different leadership role and works together as a team.

Sunday's Gospel reading had a challenge for us, Mark 10 43-45 "Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and Anyone who wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For the Son of man himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

It is a challenge for us as Christians to remember to make others a priority. In the busyness of the start of the term, it is easy to forget those in the North that do not have the freedom we have. We can soundproof our hearts to focus on ourselves and our needs.

Covid has shown us how barren and lonely life is without encounter. As Catholics, we believe that it is through encounters with others that we encounter Christ.

The opportunity to attend Eucharist last Sunday reminded me of what a privilege it is to receive Christ. Pope Francis has said in the latest Synod calls us to become experts in the art of encounter. He encourages us to ask ourselves "whether we, the Christian community, embody this "style" of God, who travels the paths of history and shares in the life of humanity." Are we willing to encounter God, are we willing to listen to those around us and are we ready to discern?

Year 13 Retreat

We are fortunate that we can proceed with the Year 13 Retreat on Thursday 28th of October, sadly it is without the overnight however I am sure the girls will make the most of it.